About Liberty Party and FAQs

Liberty Party was established in July 2005, out of a desire to actualize the collective vision of the Liberian people. We envision a vibrant Liberia led by a government that will Reform to establish justice, Reconcile to ensure domestic peace, Recover and Rebuild to promote the general welfare of Liberians and friends of Liberia. Our 4Rs (Reform, Reconcile, Recover, Rebuild) form the basic tenets that underpin our vision for the total transformation of Liberia.

The historic formation of Liberty Party, which was led by Charles W. Brumskine and other Liberians of vision, spanned across ethnic, religious, and socio-economic lines and brought together Liberians for the common good of our country.

Liberty Party was formed out of an ardent desire to fundamentally transform our country in ways that ensure that the dividends of peace and the benefits of our pursuit of democratic governance are broadly shared, transformative, and sustainable. We speak of national governments born out of liberal democracy, characterized by fair, free, and competitive elections, which adhere to the doctrine of separation of powers among the three branches of government, respect the rule of law in a transparent society, with equal protection for all.

Liberty Party seeks to develop an environment of fraternal love, understanding, and mutual respect among the people of Liberia in order to reconcile the body politic for the creation of a democratic society, steadfast in the rule of law. We desire to build Liberia’s economy by utilizing our human and natural resources in productive ways and to live peaceful and productive lives in the pursuit of happiness, as enshrined in the Constitution of Liberia.

The emblem of our Party consists of a square-shaped solid green background with a white circle, representing the Republic of Liberia, imposed within the square. At the northwestern lid of the circumference of the circle is a white dove flying out of the heavens into Liberia. The green background of the square is a reminder of the enduring newness of Liberia and the resources of our country, which must be transformed into wealth of the nation for the benefit of all the people of Liberia. The circle represents our belief in the unity of our people and a national link, without a beginning and without an end, which bounds us as a sovereign, united, and indivisible nation. The white background of the circle symbolizes love for all Liberians and the Party’s desire to reconcile the Liberian people, for which the Party stands. The white dove represents the spiritual intervention of God the Creator into our affairs as a nation, and the promise of His blessings unto posterity. The imposition of the circle within the green square indicates our recognition that Liberia is a part of a larger African and Global Community. And, the equal sides of the square represent individual equality in the Republic.

The Flag shall consist of a white background, with the emblem of the Party emblazoned in the middle. The white background of the flag represents the purity of motive in all undertakings of the Party and its partisans. The emblem in the middle represents the Party as the center of love and reconciliation in Liberia.

The motto of the Party is, “Together we can do better.”

The ideology of the Party is Democratic Centrist. The Party is rooted in the basic principle of a “one man one vote” and the system of majority rule as enshrined in the Constitution of Liberia. While the Party subscribes to the system of majority rule, we believe in protection of the rights of the minority. The Party embraces all Liberians without regard to ethnicity, gender, religion, or creed. The Party believes that Liberia is best governed under a system of accommodation and consensus, where each of us will move a little from our own maximum position to accommodate other views, as much as feasible. Thus, we shall arrive at a common governing center into a beautiful mosaic of patriotism, aligned with the popular credo “all for one and one for all.”

The National Convention is the highest decision making body of the Party. It elects all national officers; adopts the Platform, policies, and programs of the Party. It meets once every six years. The National Chairman of the Party presides over the National Convention, except for a Special National Convention, which shall be presided over by the Standard Bearer or Political Leader, who calls the meeting. Members of Liberty Party Legislative Caucus are ex-officios of the Party and Super Delegates of the National Convention.

The Executive Council is the highest decision making body outside of the National Convention. The Executive Council meets annually in regular session. The Standard Bearer or Political Leader presides over all meetings of the Executive Council. In the absence of a Standard Bearer or Political Leader the National Chairman presides over the Executive Council.

The Executive Committee is the administrative organ of the Party that conducts the day-to-day affairs of the Party. The Executive Committee is presided over by the National Chairman.

Each County has a County Committee, which conducts the affairs of the Party in each county and all of its constituencies.

The Party also has specialized working groups such as, the National Women Wing, National Youth Wing, and Trade Union Working Groups.

It is the Party’s desire to allow all Liberians, who wish to do so, to participate in building a viable organization regardless of residence. In order to encourage Liberians everywhere to join and participate in the nation-building process, as sufficient number of persons become interested in joining the Party, a branch of the Party is established in the Diasporas. Party members who number 200 or more may organize themselves as a Membership Group, and may seek status as a Membership Group of the Party in a foreign country. Each membership group reports to the National Chairman. The Party now has a membership group in the United States, which is referred to as LP-USA. The Liberty Party USA branch reports to the Party’s national leadership in Liberia.

Liberty Party’s National Executive Committee

Benjamin Sanvee National Chairman

Dr. Samuel Kpehe Ngaima Vice Chairman for Policy and Program

Darius Dillon Vice Chairman for Political Affairs

Robert Azango Vice Chairman for Ops and Technical Affairs

Cllr. Hilton Powo Vice Chair/Legal

Sen. Steve Zargo Vice Chair/ Legislative Affairs

Cllr. Loseni Bility Vice Chair External Affairs

Maxwell Grigsby Vice Chair/Mobilization

Kwame E. Ross Vice Chairman/Auxillary Services

Emmanuel Azango Vice Chairman for Membership

Jacob Smith Secretary General

Nuwoe A.D. Scott Treasurer

Seh Morris Brown Deputy Secretary General/Administration

Kla Edward Toomey Deputy Secretary General/Public Affairs

James M.V.Yougie Deputy secretary General/Operations

Philip Innis Assistant Secretary General/Political Affairs

Williette C. Lysander Assistant Secretary General/Membership

Daniel O. Sando Assistant Secretary General/Special Project

Vicent Willie Assistant Secretary General/Mobilization

Vivian Neejay Innis Assist. Secretary General for Gender Policy

Agatius B. Coker Assistant Secretary General for Auxiliary

Israel Akinsanya Former Chairman

Liberty Party Senators

Senator Steve Zargo Lofa County

Senator Jonathan Kaipay Grand Bassa County

Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence Grand Bassa County

Liberty Party Representatives

Rep. Eugene F. Kparkar District #1, Lofa County (Rest in Peace)

Rep. J. Byron Brown District #4, Grand Bassa County

Rep. Gabriel Smith District #3, Grand Bassa County

Frequently asked Questions

1. How does one become a member of Liberty Party?

The first step to becoming a member of Liberty Party is completing a membership form requesting membership. Membership forms can be obtained by sending a formal request to libertypartyliberia@gmail.com. By completing the membership form, the person seeking membership agrees to comply with the code of conduct, tenets, guidelines, and constitution of Liberty Party. Liberty Party believes that change must start with the individual before it can transform the community and the nation. We expect our members to exemplary citizens.

2. Is there any requirement of due payment? If yes, how much is the due for members, and how often is it paid?

Yes. There are requirements for contributions from members. Contributions to Liberty Party are determined by the Liberty Party branch and may vary across regions. The Liberty Party USA branch has an annual contribution requirement of $250 per year to enable the group take on projects that benefit the wellbeing of all Liberians. LPUSA branch uses the Liberty Foundation as a vehicle to support social impact projects in Liberia. To begin your contribution to the Liberty Foundation community outreach programs, click Donate and follow instructions.

3. Does the Party undertake projects in Liberia, such as scholarships and community development projects? If yes, can non-cash contribution be made to the leadership of the Party?

Liberty Party undertakes several community based projects and activities to help the average Liberian. But we do not limit community engagements to the national leadership of the party. We encourage all our members to participate in individual community engagement projects. We do, however, encourage our members to first communicate their intentions to party leaders in Liberia or the USA branch so that the party can help facilitate the process to engage the community of interest. Liberian communities throughout the country are in need of non-cash donations ranging from healthcare, education, agriculture implements among many others. If you are interested in making non-cash contributions to the people of Liberia, please email libertypartyliberia@gmail.com.

4. May a member make project-specific donation and/or donation for the benefit of a particular county, but in the name of the Party?

Yes, members can make personal project specific cash donation or non-cash donations directly to a county, community or region of interest. We only ask that the Party leadership be informed of such intentions so the party can participate in engaging the community, county or region of interest. If you are interested in making cash or non-cash contributions to the people of Liberia, please email libertypartyliberia@gmail.com.

5. Does the party intend to expand in countries other than the United States? If yes, how can one be of assistance?

Yes, Liberty Party intends to expand outside the United States to where citizens on Liberia are. Those interested in establishing branches must first contact Party leadership in Liberia or the party’s USA branch. The LP-USA team will help facilitate the process of bringing new branches into operation with the approval of the National Leadership in Liberia. Liberty Party members in Liberia and elsewhere will assist each branch with recruiting efforts to reach the 200 member requirement needed to formally establish a Liberty Party branch. If you are interested in establishing a Liberty Party branch in a country or region, please email libertypartyliberia@gmail.com.

6. What can you tell us about the Political Leader of Liberty Party?

The current Political Leader of Liberty Party is Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine.

Cllr. Brumskine earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1973 from the University of Liberia and then attended the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law where he was awarded a Bachelors of Law degree in 1981. He passed the bar exams and later earned a Masters of Law (LL.M) degree (Corporate/Commercial Law) from the Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas the following year.

Cllr. Brumskine has over 34 years of law practice experience in Liberia and the United States, where he practiced while in exile. In addition to being admitted to the Liberian Bar, he is admitted to the Bars of the State of New York and the District of Columbia. He is also a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Following what was believed to have been the end of the Liberian civil war in 1997, recognizing the sacred opportunity to serve in government, Cllr. Brumskine campaigned for and won a seat in the Liberian Senate; served as President Pro Tempore, leader of the Senate. During that period, and for the first time in many years, the Liberian Senate exerted its constitutional authority, receiving both local and international acclaim.

Cllr. Brumskine is internationally known for his diligence, hard work, professionalism, and honesty, and as one of the brightest legal minds in the country. He has served both as an Assistant Professor of Law and subsequently as an Adjunct Professor of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia.

Cllr. Brumskine hails from Grand Bassa County; he speaks Bassa and joyfully interacts with the people in his native tongue. Although proud of his Bassa heritage, Cllr. Brumskine believes that Liberians are one people, and must live as such. He believes that Liberia’s renaissance depends on the reconciliation of its people, reformation of its institutions, the recovery of national values and ideals, and rebuilding of its economic and physical infrastructure. His advice is widely sought on issues relating to Liberia.

He enjoys a 40 year marriage with his college sweetheart, Estelle V. Brumskine. They have three children and five grandchildren. Cllr. Brumskine has resided in Liberia continuously since his return from exile in 2003.

7. Liberty Party criticizes the Sirleaf’s administration a lot. What has the Party done to assist the Government or help the people?

Liberty Party has been consistent and objective in its interaction with the administration. It has not only critiqued the government’s policies, but has also provided suitable alternatives; Liberty party has also lauded some policies of the administration and submitted its ideas as well. For example, the Anti-Corruption Policy, and the Statement on the Ebola Virus of August, 2014.

During the Ebola crisis, for example, Cllr. Brumskine initiated a meeting with President Sirleaf to offer his services in the fight against Ebola and to assure her that Liberty Party would support the government in the fight against Ebola.

Through his work, and that of Party National Chairman, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Liberty Party launched its internal Ebola task force to assist the work of the government:

Liberty Party gave US$5000 to Samaritan’s Purse and the Liberian Red Cross during the Ebola Crisis. http://frontpageafricaonline.com/index.php/politic/2577-liberty-party-donates-us-10k-announces-ebola-strategy-for-liberia

Cllr. Brumskine was the first national politician to venture out of Monrovia during the crisis to carry humanitarian supplies (rice, Ebola related supplies) to affected communities, as well as help provide information about how to prevent the spread of the disease.

Cllr. Brumskine gave LD$100,000 each to six counties during the Ebola crisis.

Cllr. Brumskine, along with Senator Franklin Siakor, provided rice, money and Ebola related supplies to the people of Bong County.

Cllr. Brumskine, along with Ms. Edith Gongloe-Weh, provided Ebola related PPE at the United Methodist Hospital in Ganta, where Dr. Albert Willicor, Chief Medical Officer received the supplies.

Liberty Party gave LD$75,000 to the Margibi County Health team at the C.H Rennie Hospital in Kakata http://www.liberianewsagency.org/pagesnews.php?nid=3280

8. If Cllr. Brumskine has Liberia at heart, why did he not endorse President Sirleaf for the run-off election of 2005?

Firstly, endorsing a political party or candidate can never be an indicator of whether one loves his or her country or not. Cllr. Brumskine’ s love for our country and the people of Liberia is exemplified in his character, his integrity, the sacrifice he has made for his country and the Liberian people, the work he has done and continues to do in the interest of Liberians.

During his tenure as leader of the Liberian Senate, for the first time in many years, the Liberian Senate exerted its constitutional authority, receiving both local and international acclaim. He allowed neither his personal nor political interest to supersede the national interest.

He returned home in 2003, when no other exiled Liberian politician would dare return to Liberia, risking his life for the national good. Although he has twice lost, he has remained in Liberia, conducting both his public and private affairs in accordance with the rule of law.

Notwithstanding, the important question would be whether Cllr. Brumskine participated in the 2005 run-off, and voted? Yes, he certainly voted, and encouraged all of his partisans and supporters to do likewise. However, after losing the first round of the 2011 elections, Cllr. Brumskine met with President Sirleaf, during which policy difference were discussed, with Cllr. Brumskine presenting alternative policy ideas, consistent with Liberty Party approach to governance. He has always held the view that political support must be a result of some shared commitments and values.

9. Did Cllr. Brumskine participate in the war in Liberia?

No. Charles W. Brumskine did not initiate or participate in the civil war neither did he associate with any warring faction during the Liberian civil war. Cllr. Brumskine fled Liberia in 1990 and began practicing law in the United States. Even his staunchest critics agree that Cllr. Brumskine had nothing to do with the Liberian civil war.

Cllr. Brumskine returned to Liberia at the end of the war and ran on the ticket of a registered political party, NPP, to become a Senator of Grand Bassa County. He later became the Pro Temp of the Liberian Senate. His objections to certain unscrupulous government policies and actions pitted Cllr. Brumskine against the executive branch of President Taylor, a life threatening situation that eventually forced him to flee Liberia again for his life.

10. Has Cllr. Brumskine ever been accused of corruption?

No. Charles W. Brumskine has a clean and unblemished record in Liberia; he is dubbed the anti-corruption politician. Cllr. Brumskine has always demonstrated sincerity and integrity in all facets of his life. He has maintained a distinguished career in his 34 years of legal practice and still maintains a stellar record in the United States, where he practiced law after fleeing the 1990 war. Not once has he been the subject of corruption rumor or charge in his private or public life.

During his tenure as Pro Temp of the Senate, Cllr. Brumskine spear headed efforts to remove one of his colleagues who was accused of and found guilty of corruption in the Senate.

Furthermore, as Senate Pro Temp, he opened Senate debates to the public for the first time in living memory. Today, the public witnesses deliberations that were once held behind closed doors. His fight for transparency speaks to his anti-corruption stance. He stands as the best person to stop corruption in Liberia. Liberia needs someone like Cllr. Brumskine who can bring discipline and credibility to governance in Liberia.

11. Why is Liberty Party not doing development projects?

Liberty Party has played well its primary role as an opposition party, which is holding the administration accountable to the people of Liberia and offering viable policy alternatives to improve the lives of the average Liberian. But the party has also undertaken some projects within the limits of its resources. http://libertypartyliberia.com/what-has-liberty-party-done/

Let’s remember, however, that even in developed democracies, where political institutions are fully resourced, opposition parties do not take on development projects, as that responsibility rests on the shoulders of an elected government, which develops and then administers the nation’s budget. That’s why Liberty Party is seeking the opportunity from the Liberian people to be entrusted with the responsibility of managing our national affairs, so that it can deploy our resources to lift Liberia out of poverty and onto a path of sustainable economic development.

12. Will Brumskine’s ties with the Christian community cause him to ignore the Muslims?

Although a Christian, Charles W. Brumskine is also a constitutionalist. He and Liberty Party believe that Liberia belongs to everyone, regardless of one’s ethnic or religious background; we are a good example of the mosaic that our country is. In his most recent address to the Muslim community during Ramadan, Cllr. Brumskine said that, “We must all endeavor to build a democratic society, where one’s choosing of a faith in no way provides an advantage, or diminishes his or her standing in our national political equation, as we are all linked, as creatures of God and as fellow Liberians. As a political party, drawing membership from all Liberians, Liberty Party recognizes the immense contributions that you, our Muslim brothers and sisters, have made and continue to make in building a wholesome society, characterized by the rule of law.” A Liberty Party government will therefore fully represent the interests of all Liberians fairly and justly.

13. Will Liberty Party seek to retain and improve on all the investment in governing systems and public administration?

Liberty Party believes that it is time for a succeeding government to look for ways to build upon the works of its predecessors, instead of tearing down and rebuilding, simply because it has been handed the mantle of authority by the people. Our pace of national development is likely to be slower than desire, if successive governments undo physical undertakings of previous administrations, regardless of the value to the nation. There must be some form of continuity, as the nation moves from one administration to another, so that our meager resources are not spent in a continuum of unnecessary undoing and redoing. Sustainable development comes from continuity and the improving upon of work already done, including systems already developed.

The present administration has made inroads in some areas, particularly in the areas of training and capacity development and management system, which were developed with the aid of our regional and international partner. A Liberty party government will certainly build upon those. Also, the administration’s relationship with the International community has been good and Liberty Party will continue to build upon those relationships as well. This is why it is important that the successor government has the wherewithal to build upon the gains of the previous government, and not destroy what has been put in place, irrespective of how marginal.

Liberty Party believes that it is time for a succeeding government to look for ways to build upon the works of its predecessor, instead of tearing down and rebuilding from scratch every time a new administration comes into office.

14. Will a Liberty Party administration be comprised of only its partisans or will it retain a professional civil service?

Liberty Party believes that leadership deficit—the absence of leadership with a vision—is the root cause of many of our problems in Liberia. Our civil servants will obey the rules and laws of the Liberian government if there were swift and indiscriminate implementation of the rules and if the laws apply to all. During a Liberty Party administration, leaders will be subject to the same rules as any other Liberian.

Liberty Party believes that our nation must not only develop a professional civil service, but to also maintain it, a professional civil service that is void of politics, representing continuity from one administration to another. All government positions should not be up for grabs with each changing President. While it is true that a Liberty Party government will make new political appointments, if given an opportunity to lead, a professional cadre of civil servants will be developed, retaining those who have the professional ability and experience. This will ensure that Liberian technocrats and professionals remain loyal to the Constitution and laws of Liberia, and not to the President who appoints them.

15. How would a Liberty Party administration reduce government’s recurring operating costs, including the public wage bill?

Firstly, salaries will be reviewed and rationalized, beginning with the salaries of the President and the Vice President. During an administration of Liberty Party, political appointees as well as elected officials will be requested to make the same sacrifice that the economic conditions of our nation impose upon the average Liberian. We will not ask the average Liberian to “tighten his or her belt,” while the belt of government officials are hanging loose. Also, the salaries of the President and Vice President, and every other government official will be made public to help ensure transparency in the operation of government.

With regard to other operating costs of a Liberty Party administration, review and rationalization remain the operative words. For example, Foreign Service—not every post will be staffed with an Ambassador, and in many cases, an Ambassador will be accredited to more than one country; foreign travel—use Liberia’s diplomatic missions, as much as possible, to avoid costly travel by government officials, including the President; vehicle purchase—standardize vehicles that are to be purchased for government officials, and reduce the number of officials that are entitled to vehicle; invest in public transport so that every agency of government would not need to purchase a van for transporting its employees to and from work; prior to purchasing new vehicles, the requesting agency should return the vehicle that is being replaced to the GSA, even if the vehicle is fully depreciated or otherwise damaged, where the replaced vehicle will be subject to public auction, raising funds to offset the cost of the new purchase; among others.

But the biggest challenge to reducing government’s overall expenditure is enhancing efficiency in government, and improving the effective management of our national resources.

16. Where is this country going from here?

Regardless of our historic challenges, Liberia has a bright future. We are optimistic and to some extent excited about the future; Liberia can become a great country. We are a resilient people; we have a youthful population, waiting to be trained; many unemployed Liberians, looking for the opportunities to be engaged; entrepreneurs, longing to break out of the informal sector of the economy; subsistence farmers, who could be empowered to feed our nation; the right climate and abundant natural resources, with which the development of our country could be fast tracked.

With the right leadership—selfless, competent, with integrity, the relevant experience, and demonstrated love for country, our nation will realize its potential. That is why Liberty Party is seeking an opportunity to lead our nation, with the promise of establishing justice, ensuring domestic peace, and providing for the general welfare of all Liberians.

17. What are the problems of Liberia, and how would Liberty Party address them?

Liberia’s problems are manifold; our national problems are historic and current, and portend to be aggravated, if not adequately addressed. As much as we may be aware of the problems, Liberty Party would rather not dwell on them, but focus on the way forward, which are embedded in the four pillars of our Platform—Reconciliation, Reform, Recovery, and Rebuilding. The way forward is grounded in addressing, among others, the below listed issues:

i. Domestic peace, which begins with popular sovereignty and true reconciliation—the cornerstone of our national agenda—is achieved by reconciling our ethnic differences, merging our parallel legal systems, reforming our formal and informal economic systems, and accepting our religious and political differences, as a pluralist society. We will lead a national effort directed toward encouraging Liberians to tolerate views to which we do not necessarily subscribe—focusing on those things that unite rather than those that divide us.

ii. All Liberians stand as equals before the law; the Supreme Court of Liberia and not the President of Liberia, is the final arbiter of all controversies, as provided for in our Constitution. That would entail reforming the Interior Regulations and any other law that tends to divide us.

iii. Adherence to the rule of law applies indiscriminately, so that openness, accountability and transparency in government serve to promote the general welfare of all Liberians.

iv. Every Liberian has the right to acquire the piece of land he/she lives on. He/she is able to sell it, rent it, develop it, and use it for any legitimate productive or other private purposes. The courts protect this right, and the method by which Liberians become landowner is open, simple and reliable. Village dwellers, who ancestors have live on a parcel of land for many years, should be deeded the property.

v. Corruption in Liberia is rooted in our indiscipline—our unwillingness to follow procedures, even to stand in line, or to distribute anything fairly. A political system based on patronage reinforces it; and impunity sustains it. Our struggle against corruption will, therefore, have a generational perspective as well as focus on institutional and institutionalized challenges. The system of the three “Ss”—System, Shame, and Sanction—will be enforced.

vi. The concept of local government, under which county officials are representatives or “vice regents” of an inaccessible President sitting in Monrovia, will be changed, as much as is legally and economically possible. To ensure domestic peace, city mayors, district commissioners, and chiefs will be elected so that they truly represent local interests.

vii. We will mainstreams gender equity, provide adequate, affordable basic social services, and take corrective and sustainable actions to ensure that the disempowerment associated with poverty does not remain the permanent state of affairs for Liberian women and children.

viii. We believe that our nation’s most valuable resource is its people. Therefore, we will make purposeful, sustained investment in education, health and in infrastructure to enable citizens to utilize their talents more fully and effectively. Special attention will be paid to the health sector, especially primary health care, sanitation and better nutrition. We will deliver the basic packages of care and preventive health measures through community-managed health posts and mobile clinics, as doing so would be less costly, equitable and more effective than their curative counterparts.

ix. Basic education is a human right. Meeting our education targets through a competent, credible National Action Plan shall be among the highest priorities of the Liberty government. Particularly, we shall prioritize expanding early childhood care and the development for children up to 6 years, and create the capacity to ensure free and compulsory primary education for all children up to 11 years old by the end of the first term of the President.

x. Safe drinking water, nutrition programs and acceptable sanitation services for the people of Liberia are as important as community health posts. A Liberty Party administration shall adopt and implement measures to reduce water-borne diseases, such as diarrhea, in a setting free of sanitary pollution that is the preventable causes of deaths.

xi. Like sanitary pollution, poor housing and shelter have a negative impact on the health of our people. But better housing and shelter also requires urban planning and better land use.

xii. To break with the past when output of extractive industries that are vulnerable to high price volatility were the major contributors to GDP, a Liberty Party administration will develop an appropriate macroeconomic policy framework to diversify the sources of growth and reduce dependence on trade in basic commodities. In a global knowledge economy, we will focus on improving Liberia’s competitive advantages. The emphasis on production for export will be balanced with careful attention to building capacity to feed us and to trade with our neighbors. To stimulate balanced growth in the various sectors of the formal and informal sectors of the economy, efforts will be made to improve the Liberian business investment climate.

xiii. Toward sustained private sector growth, government will progressively reduce its presence in the economy by adopting a relevant macroeconomic framework, to create an enabling environment for the private sector and ensure stability. Rationalization of the economy through fair, transparent processes reduces the risk that small elite will appropriate the benefits. Rationalization of all sectors that opens the economy to competition through effective and independent de-regulation is better suited to bring benefits to the poor—both generally through growth originating in activities that benefit the poor, and directly through access to better, more affordable basic services than through a bloated public service.

xiv. While a liberal business climate is important to attract foreign investors, responsible fiscal policy management characterized by discipline in the implementation of government budget, reduction in corruption, free movement of capital, transparent and impartial court system and the restoration of confidence in our development partners, will create the environment where businesses will succeed.

xv. We will introduce poverty alleviation/wealth creation measures. For example, public procurement reform and other reforms designed to promote Liberian-owned businesses, thereby creating a vibrant private sector, is a significant plank in our effort to create wealth among Liberians and ensure popular sovereignty.

xvi. The criteria for the establishment of diplomatic missions and the appointment of ambassadors are the promotion of peace, especially in our sub-region, but also facilitating the expansion of trade and Liberia’s economic growth into a prosperous society.

xvii. Given the horrible extent to which the Liberian environment has been devastated, careful corrective measures compatible with sustainable growth and the rule of law will be pursued.